Airservices results of PFAS investigation at Sunshine Coast Airport

12 Dec 2019

Airservices Australia today released the results of its Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) into PFAS contamination at Sunshine Coast Airport. The PSI was completed to better understand potential impacts that may be directly related to Airservices’ historical use of fire fighting foam containing PFAS. The study was conducted by independent environmental consultants from GHD Pty Ltd.

The PSI reported that historical PFAS contamination was found at the airport. The PSI findings suggest a low risk of PFAS contamination migrating off-site and impacting on drinking water sources. There was no indication of impact to human health on site.

Airservices has shared all the results with Sunshine Coast Airport, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.

Although the results of the PSI suggest low risk to the environment, Airservices will be undertaking further targeted sampling on airport to investigate any potential off-site mitigation. Future assessment will be conducted in line with the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan and Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council guideline criteria.

Airservices will continue to work with relevant Commonwealth and State environmental and health regulators, and the airport, as part of a risk-based approach to responsibly managing PFAS concerns at Sunshine Coast Airport.

Airservices does not use firefighting foam containing PFAS at Sunshine Coast Airport. Airservices commenced fire fighting at the airport in 2004 and has been using PFAS-free firefighting foam at the airport since 2010. Prior to 2004, fire fighting services were provided by local agencies.